Your Comfort and Safe Care

Your comfort during your stay is important to your well-being and rapid recovery. We will do everything possible to make your time with us pleasant and relaxed.

Smoking

As part of our commitment to the promotion of healthy lifestyles, smoking is prohibited. We are proud to be smoke-free and have programs available to help you break the smoking habit. Ask your nurse for details.

Interpreters

Hospital provided sign and language interpreters are available free of charge. Please ask your nurse if you need assistance.

Mail Service

Mail will be delivered to your room each morning by our volunteers. Letters to be mailed can be given to
the volunteers as well.

Newspapers, Books and Magazines

Daily newspapers are available for your convenience from the Information Desk. Paperback books and magazines can be obtained from the volunteer department. Call the Volunteer Department at ext. 4000 to have a selection of reading materials brought to your room.

Your Safety

During your stay you will take only the medications ordered by your physician and administered by your nurse.

You may hear either the fire alarm or a "Code Red." Stay calm. Periodic drills keep the hospital staff skilled in fire prevention and protection. Stay where you are until given instructions by the staff.

The identification band placed on your wrist when you are admitted is for your protection. It gives the staff a positive identification and access to information for conducting tests and procedures. The band must remain on your wrist until you leave the hospital.

If you have been requested to stay in bed, do so at all times.

Use caution when getting in and out of bed and do not hesitate to call for assistance if you feel weak, have just had surgery, or have been given a sleeping medication.

Always turn on the light before moving out of bed.

Slippers are available from your nurse. Wear snug-fitting slippers before leaving the nursing unit to which you have been assigned.

Before getting into or out of a wheelchair, make sure someone is there to assist you. Chair wheels should be locked before you attempt to get in or out of your chair.

Never use the bedside console for support, or lean out of bed to reach items. Call for assistance.

Keep eyeglasses and dentures in protective containers when you are not using them.

Dentures should not be placed on food trays.

Electric blankets, heating pads, hair dryers and other small appliances should be left at home.

Infection control procedures are taken when necessary for the protection and safety of our patients, visitors and staff. These measures require certain patients to stay in specially-designed rooms in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Physicians, nurses and family members may be required to wear gowns, masks, eyewear or gloves while in the patient's room.

S.A.F.E.C.A.R.E.

Speak up if you have questions or concerns. Having a relative or friend with you may be helpful in asking questions and understanding answers.

Ask for information about your diagnosis, treatment plan, tests and medications. We are committed to keeping you well.

Familiarize yourself with the staff members who are taking care of you. Know their names and the role each plays in your treatment plan. You have the right to ask questions of anyone who is involved in your care. You may request nurse staffing information by asking your nurse for the “Request for Health Care Consumer Information” form.

Educate yourself about your medications. Be sure you know the following:
What is it for?
When is it to be taken and for how long?
What side effects are likely?
What should be done if side effects occur?
What food, drink, activities or other medications should be avoided when taking this medication?

Communicate any important health information about yourself. This includes your medical history, medications you are taking, allergies, or adverse reactions to previous health care treatments.

Actively participate in all decisions about your care. You are the center of your health care team.

Remember research shows patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.

Everyone plays a role in making health care safe: physicians, health care executives, nurses, technicians and patients. Being a Joint Commission-accredited facility, we are working to make healthcare safety a priority. Become an active, involved and informed member of your health care team.